Hello friends! And thanks for stopping by to read Wednesday Thoughts: 7 Things on my Mind Today.
Every time I do a Wednesday Thoughts post, I have a different number of things on my mind. However, one other time I had 7 thoughts, so today I can recycle the featured image!
I’ve been in Europe since mid-May, mostly housesitting in England. I wouldn’t say I’m homesick but there are a few things I miss in Canada that I can not get in England. Coming from a 24/7 society is always going to be an adjustment when spending time in other countries.
Reflect with me this Wednesday as I share 7 things on my mind. Let’s inspire each other—read my thoughts and join the discussion!
Cajun
My horse, Cajun, is always on my mind. I didn’t think I’d miss him as much as I do. He’s 20 years old and has had health issues this year which makes me miss him even more that I can’t be with him.
He’s had a nagging cough that comes and go but never goes away entirely. Could be allergies. He’s cost me a lot of money in veterinary fees this year.
Cajun is always on my mind. He’s in a very good situation and is well taken care of. I’m not worried about him being neglected. It’s me. I miss my little guy.
Hang in there, baby. Momma is making her way back to you!
Booster Juice
I just can’t get a decent smoothie in England or other places I’ve tried in Europe, like Spain. They’re not bad, but not as thick as I like. I’ve housesat in a few places with blenders and I’ve made my own smoothies.
But nothing compares to Booster Juice, a Canadian smoothie shop. I’m on their mailing list so I get emails with their monthly specials.
So jealous!
I’ve tried many flavors over the years, but the last flavor I was stuck on was Pomegranate Passion – pomegranate, strawberries, raspberries and vanilla frozen yogurt.
Now I notice a new flavor I want to try called Hawaiian Sunset that looks pretty good – raspberries, bananas, mango, passion fruit, guava and vanilla frozen yogurt.
Walmart
Yeah, who puts Walmart on their list of things they’re thinking about?
I’m still missing the convenience of Walmart. Both their hours of operation and the wide range of products they carry.
Even if it’s 10pm at night, I can go grocery shopping at Walmart.
Can’t say the same thing for many places in Europe.
Great Clips
Speaking of convenience, I miss my Great Clips hair cuts. The fact that I can walk in and put my name on a waiting list or use their app to put my name on the list.
And the price – excellent. Especially compared to Europe.
In England and the rest of Europe, women have to make an appointment to get their hair done.
Oh, sure there will be times when you can walk into a beauty salon and they can take you right away. but that’s the exception. Getting a haircut while walking the Camino de Santiago got to be a big pain. Make an appointment for two days later? I don’t think so. I gotta walk!
The photo below is a Great Clips cut that cost around $20.
I keep my hair cut in a simple bob so it’s easy to take care of.
The photo below is from a beauty salon called Tinted in London, where I had to make an appointment, and cost $89. Yikes! Totally out of my $25 hair cut budget.
It’s a fine hair cut, but I hate the price. Now you can see why Great Clips has been on my mind recently.
Housesitting
As I write this blog, I’m winding up a housesit in London. The homeowners will return tomorrow from their vacation.
This is where it all began. My first housesit in London last summer. Great family. Very welcoming.
I will be moving along to one more housesit in London, in the south, close to Wimbledon, where I’ll be looking after a cat.
And then I’m departing on September 1.
Where to?
Stay tuned!
Subscribe to my YouTube channel because it will probably be announced there first.
I do have two long term housesits lined up that will keep me busy until late April, 2025.
My upcoming adventures are on my mind today!
Travel plans
I’m certainly thinking about where my travels will take me later in 2025 and 2026.
Cajun is always on my mind so I definitely am getting closer to seeing him again next year.
I believe my travel for the next year or so will be mainly in North America so I can have easier access to reach Cajun if he has another health scare.
I didn’t anticipate still being in Europe. That’s the beauty of being a nomad. Travel plans can change and just go with the flow.
When I became a nomad my plans were to visit Central and South America after leaving Europe. But then I heard about a volunteer opportunity on Mayreau Island and I bought a return ticket because it was cheaper than buying a one way ticket. And well, a nomad’s life goes along…
I still very much want to spend time, like the 3 month maximum visitor stay, in Ecuador, Peru, Costa Rica, Panama, and maybe Argentina.
One of the homeowners I’ll be housesitting for has been trying to convince her brother in Brisbane, Australia to visit and asked me if she could recommend me to him as a housesitter. He owns a horse, and horse owners pretty much only want housesitters with horse experience. Absolutely I’m interested.
And I won’t say “if” I go to Australia, but “when” I go to Australia (there are other homeowners there looking for housesitters!), I will also take the opportunity to travel to places like Malaysia and Thailand.
I’m always on a quest for cheap destinations to hang out for awhile.
Car camping
I mentioned car life the last time I posted about my Wednesday thoughts, and I’m still seriously considering it. A nomad with a car.
And use said car to travel to housesitting locations in North America.
I’ve been researching mattresses, bedding, storage containers, propane stove, and other essentials I’ll need to live out of a car while I see the country.
Circling back to Walmart, many of these stores allow free camping in their parking lots, depending on the city bylaws.
How convenient is that?
And on that note, this concludes this episode of Wednesday’s thoughts: 7 things on my mind today.
How’s your Wednesday going?
Published by Cheryl @ The Lifestyle Digs on August 21, 2024.
